Conor Coady teams up with Just Eat for LGBTQIA campaign
Conor Coady has teamed up with Just Eat to launch Allies United.
Conor Coady has teamed up with Just Eat to launch Allies United.
The England and Wolves defended has joined forces with the food deliver service on the first of it kinds initiative with the goal of supporting clubs to enable more inclusivity in grassroots football.
The campaign will see the creation of a training programme in partnership with anti-discrimination not for profit, Football vs Homophobia.
The goal is to encourage clubs’ commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the game.
A new study commissioned by Just Eat has revealed that over three quarters of people in the LGBTQIA+ community wouldn't consider playing grassroots football, with barriers inlcuding cocerns over homophobic and transphobic language, as well as a lack of feeling welcomed and the need for more discussion about LGBTQIA+ allyship.
While 90 percent of grassroots clubs say they would welcome anyone, a quarter of grassroots leaders and players admit they aren't sure what good allyship practice actually is.
Almost three quarters feel more guidance and education is needed to help the game become more inclusive.
Conor Coady - who received the Football Ally Award at the 2021 British LGBT Awards - said: “Football has been my career, but it’s so much more than that.
"It’s given me moments I’ll remember forever and friends I’ll have for life, but as a straight man - I’ve always felt welcome in the game. For many in the LGBTQIA+ community that is not the case.
“Active allyship is essential in ensuring everyone feels welcome, valued and included in football and that’s why I’m proud to support Allies United.
"By providing allyship education and training at grassroots level, this landmark initiative will help build a version of football that is accessible to all, regardless of how you identify or who you love.”
To apply to join Allies United with Just Eat and Football vs Homophobia, visit www.footballvhomophobia.com/AlliesUnited for details on how to make your team more inclusive.
